There’s something deeply satisfying about making coffee with a French press. It’s simple, elegant, and brings out the bold, natural flavors of your favorite roast. Whether you’re new to brewing or just looking to perfect your technique, here’s everything you need to know about using a French press at home.
What You’ll Need
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French press (any size)
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Freshly roasted whole bean coffee
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Burr grinder (for coarse grind)
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Kettle (preferably with temperature control)
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Filtered water
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Stirring utensil (wooden or plastic)
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Timer
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Measure Your Coffee and Water
The golden ratio for French press coffee is about 1:15 (1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams of water). For a standard 32 oz French press, try:
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56 grams (about 8 tablespoons) of coarsely ground coffee
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840 ml (28 oz) of hot water
Adjust the ratio to suit your strength preference.
2. Grind Your Beans
Grind your beans coarse, similar to the texture of sea salt. A burr grinder is ideal for consistency. Grinding fresh right before brewing will give you the most flavor.
3. Heat Your Water
Bring water to a temperature of 195°F to 205°F (just below boiling). Too hot, and you’ll scorch the coffee. Too cool, and it’ll be under-extracted.
4. Add Coffee to the Press
Place your ground coffee in the bottom of the French press.
5. Bloom the Coffee
Start by pouring in just enough hot water to saturate the grounds—about 1/4 of the total water. Let it sit for 30 seconds. This blooming step releases CO₂ for better extraction.
6. Add the Rest of the Water
Slowly pour in the remaining water. Stir gently to break up the crust and ensure even saturation.
7. Place the Lid and Steep
Place the lid on the press with the plunger pulled all the way up. Let the coffee steep for 4 minutes. For stronger coffee, steep up to 5 minutes.
8. Press and Pour
Slowly press the plunger down with even pressure. Pour and enjoy immediately.
Tips for the Best French Press Coffee
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Use filtered water to avoid off-flavors.
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Clean your French press after every use to avoid old oil buildup.
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Experiment with brew time and grind size to match your roast profile.
Pair It with the Right Coffee
French press brewing is ideal for medium to dark roasts. At Five Star Coffee, our Tanzania Peaberry and House Blend are perfect choices for this method. They offer a bold, rich taste that shines through with immersion brewing.
Shop Coffee for French Press →
Final Thoughts
Once you master the French press, it might just become your favorite way to brew. It’s easy, low-tech, and delivers a consistently flavorful cup that highlights the quality of your beans.
Want to explore other brewing methods? Check out our Cold Brew Guide.